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For years, a significant stretch of California’s iconic Highway 1 was impassable, its breathtaking views and legendary curves severed by multiple major landslides. For overlanders and travelers around the world, the closure created a missing link in their bucket-list journeys. While both sides of the highway remained accessible, through-travel came to a hard stop. Landslides are nothing new along this coast, but each one underscores how fragile this landscape is, and how deeply its beauty deserves to be appreciated. Over the past decade alone, four major landslides have forced extended closures of Highway 1: Mud Creek Slide: May 2017 to July 2018 Rat Creek Slide: January 2021 to April 2021 Paul’s Slide: January 2023 to June 2024 Regent’s Slide: February 2024 to January 2026 Read more about Big Sur’s landslide history from Big Sur Kate On January 14, 2026, the barriers came down, reconnecting the coastline between San Simeon and Carmel. Now I can only speak on the communities South of the slide, but the economies in Big Sur, San Simeon, and Cambria are deeply intertwined with the steady flow of travelers cruising the coast. Since the reopening, there has been new energy in the area. Stores seem to have more shoppers, restaurants are busier, and there is no shortage of rad overlanding rigs parked nearby. Honestly, the weather has been incredible lately, so I’m sure that has helped too. READ MORE: Gear Showcase: Spring Gear I took a drive up the coast last weekend to see for myself. As mentioned, the weather was insane, and I was ready to feel small again among the giant redwood trees. The pullouts and viewpoints along the newly accessible stretch are once again filled with cars and overland rigs, soaking in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, and waiting for the green flash at sunset. Yes, the green flash is a real phenomenon, and the cliffs of Big Sur are the perfect vantage point to see it. For the overlanding community, the complete reopening of Highway 1 is monumental. This drive is a rite of passage, a crucial link connecting countless other adventures. Whether you’re embarking on a journey north to the Pacific Northwest or heading south toward the deserts of Southern California, this route is an essential and unforgettable part of the experience. The road’s return means new stories will be told and new memories will be forged along one of the world’s most scenic highways. While the main artery is now fully open, travelers should note that the region is still recovering. Some facilities, like certain campgrounds within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, remain closed. This means planning ahead is more crucial than ever. Before hitting the road, be sure to check official state park and Caltrans websites for the latest updates on closures and conditions. The reopening of Highway 1 is a celebration of resilience, for the engineers who rebuilt the road and for the communities that endured its absence. It re-establishes a vital connection for commerce, tourism, and adventure. From rugged overland builds to classic convertibles, vehicles of all kinds are once again tracing the edge of the continent on this incredible highway. Welcome back, Highway 1! The adventure awaits. Heading south to Overland Expo SoCal? Consider taking Highway 1 and tag us in your travels on Instagram at @overlandexpo. Day passes and camping passes are still available! View the full article

For years, a significant stretch of California’s iconic Highway 1 was impassable, its breathtaking views and legendary curves severed by multiple major landslides. For overlanders and travelers around the world, the closure created a missing link in their bucket-list journeys. While both sides of the highway remained accessible, through-travel came to a hard stop. Landslides are nothing new along this coast, but each one underscores how fragile this landscape is, and how deeply its beauty deserves to be appreciated. Over the past decade alone, four major landslides have forced extended closures of Highway 1: Mud Creek Slide: May 2017 to July 2018 Rat Creek Slide: January 2021 to April 2021 Paul’s Slide: January 2023 to June 2024 Regent’s Slide: February 2024 to January 2026 Read more about Big Sur’s landslide history from Big Sur Kate On January 14, 2026, the barriers came down, reconnecting the coastline between San Simeon and Carmel. Now I can only speak on the communities South of the slide, but the economies in Big Sur, San Simeon, and Cambria are deeply intertwined with the steady flow of travelers cruising the coast. Since the reopening, there has been new energy in the area. Stores seem to have more shoppers, restaurants are busier, and there is no shortage of rad overlanding rigs parked nearby. Honestly, the weather has been incredible lately, so I’m sure that has helped too. READ MORE: Gear Showcase: Spring Gear I took a drive up the coast last weekend to see for myself. As mentioned, the weather was insane, and I was ready to feel small again among the giant redwood trees. The pullouts and viewpoints along the newly accessible stretch are once again filled with cars and overland rigs, soaking in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, and waiting for the green flash at sunset. Yes, the green flash is a real phenomenon, and the cliffs of Big Sur are the perfect vantage point to see it. For the overlanding community, the complete reopening of Highway 1 is monumental. This drive is a rite of passage, a crucial link connecting countless other adventures. Whether you’re embarking on a journey north to the Pacific Northwest or heading south toward the deserts of Southern California, this route is an essential and unforgettable part of the experience. The road’s return means new stories will be told and new memories will be forged along one of the world’s most scenic highways. While the main artery is now fully open, travelers should note that the region is still recovering. Some facilities, like certain campgrounds within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, remain closed. This means planning ahead is more crucial than ever. Before hitting the road, be sure to check official state park and Caltrans websites for the latest updates on closures and conditions. The reopening of Highway 1 is a celebration of resilience, for the engineers who rebuilt the road and for the communities that endured its absence. It re-establishes a vital connection for commerce, tourism, and adventure. From rugged overland builds to classic convertibles, vehicles of all kinds are once again tracing the edge of the continent on this incredible highway. Welcome back, Highway 1! The adventure awaits. Heading south to Overland Expo SoCal? Consider taking Highway 1 and tag us in your travels on Instagram at @overlandexpo. Day passes and camping passes are still available! View the full article

For the next week and a half, Corey Lajoie is what he has been for much of this decade, a NASCAR Cup Series driver. With Brad Keselowski suffering from a broken right femur suffered in a fall on ice during a family skiing trip on December 18, Lajoie got the call to race in the Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in the famed RFK Racing No. 6. This is in addition to his previously scheduled ...Keep readingView the full article

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 412 “REDLINE, RESPECT, AND A WHOLE LOTTA FAST” HERE WE GO. THE COUNTDOWN TO THE WORLD SERIES OF PRO MOD IS OFFICIALLY ON. This week on The Wes Buck Show, we are flipping the switch and heating things up with two absolute pillars of the sport. First up, it’s Red Line Oil’s own Mark Beatty. A racer’s racer, a diehard supporter of the sport, and one of the guys who makes the wheels turn behind the scenes. Red Line has been all in with the DI Winter Series and the World Series of Pro Mod, and we’re bringing Mark in to talk about what it means to back drag racing at the highest level. Dude never asks for credit, but we’re giving it to him today. Because what he’s done for this sport and these racers deserves a spotlight. Then it’s time for Stevie “Fast” Jackson, and he ain’t pulling up soft. Fresh off a huge win at the U.S. Street Nationals, Race 2 of the DI Winter Series, Stevie came in swinging and delivered a statement W. He’s won just about everything there is, but this one had eluded him. Not anymore. Now the question is, does that momentum carry into the World Series of Pro Mod? Can Stevie ride this heater all the way to a DI Winter Series championship? You already know the man believes it. We’re gonna hear it straight from the source, with all the swagger and fire you’d expect. Big names. Big horsepower. Big stakes. We’re back and we’re buildin’ to something special. LET’S GOOOOO. Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing. SUBSCRIBE for the latest in drag racing: @dragillustrated GRAB YOUR MERCH: dragillustrated.store STAY CONNECTED: @thewesbuckshow @dragillustrated RACERS CLUB MERCH: racers.club Wanna sponsor the show? Contact us: wes@dragillustrated.com #dragracing #wesbuck #MarkBeatty #RedLineOil #StevieFast #DIWinterSeries #USStreetNationals #ProMod #WorldSeriesOfProMod #WBS #DI #RacersClub This story was originally published on February 4, 2026. The post The Wes Buck Show | Ep. 412 | Stevie Fast Jackson & Mark Beatty!!! first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Denny Hamlin is not 100 percent right now after an emotional rollercoaster of a winter and he may not get there until after the end of the 2026 season concludes. That is because, in addition to the death of his father in a house fire that also hospitalized his mother, Hamlin also re-tore the right shoulder he got surgically repaired after the 2023 season. This happened during a fall while going ...Keep readingView the full article

Red Line Oil, producers of high-performance motor oil and lubricants, has been named the presenting sponsor of the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod, race officials announced today. Set for Feb. 26-28 at Bradenton Motorsports Park, the $150,000-to-win Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by Red Line Oil serves as the grand finale for the 2025/2026 Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service following the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals and the U.S. Street Nationals. “Red Line Oil has proven time and time again that they’re deeply invested in Pro Modified racing, and we’re excited to elevate that partnership with Red Line stepping in as the presenting sponsor of the World Series of Pro Mod,” said Wes Buck, Drag Illustrated founder and series promoter. “We’re intentional about aligning with partners who share our vision for where this series and the sport are headed, and Red Line absolutely fits that mold. Their commitment goes far beyond branding. They support racers at every level, and their products are trusted by the top engine builders and teams in drag racing worldwide.” Known for its line of motor oil, gear oil, automatic transmission fluid, and other lubricants, Red Line Oil is headquartered in Houston, Texas, with products available through retailers and distributors around the globe. The company has supported the WSOPM since it moved to Bradenton in 2023, while Brand Director Mark Beatty has been involved with the event since its original iteration in Denver, Colorado, in 2017. “This partnership is extremely significant for me and the entire team at Red Line Oil,” Beatty said. “The World Series of Pro Mod is such a phenomenal way to propel drivers’ careers. Take Spencer Hyde, one of our Team Red Line Oil drivers, for example. He won it in 2023 and he turned that into an opportunity to become a full-time NHRA Funny Car driver last season, ultimately winning Rookie of the Year honors. Winning this race opens up a new chapter in life for these racers, and to be a part of that and their future and their legacy is an honor.” The WSOPM serves as a major stage for racers in the headlining Pro Mod category as well as the supporting classes. That group includes a long list of Team Red Line Oil drivers, from original WSOPM winner Mike Bowman and 2025 PDRA Pro Boost world champion Ty Tutterow in Pro Mod to promoter and racer Jimmy Dale in Lil Gangstas. “Team Red Line Oil will be well-represented at this race,” Beatty said. “We’re passionate about working with racers who fly our flag, believe in our product, and want to be a part of our team. Getting involved with events like the World Series of Pro Mod is another way for us to support our Team Red Line Oil drivers and drag racers in general.” To learn more about Red Line Oil, visit www.RedLineOil.com. Tickets for the World Series of Pro Mod are on sale now. Visit www.TheWinterSeries.com/tickets to purchase tickets. This story was originally published on February 4, 2026. The post Red Line Oil Named Presenting Sponsor of World Series of Pro Mod first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

King of the Hammers is always one of the most exciting few weeks of the off-road season, and Polaris is coming in strong with multiple storylines worth watching. Following the RZR Factory Racing team’s run in the Desert Challenge this past Saturday where Brock Heger once again took the UTV overall win, Polaris will continue its King of the Hammers push by fielding two purpose-built RZR XP S machines in the UTV Hammers Championship Rock Race on Thursday, February 5th. The all-new 72-inch wide RZR XP S, which launched in October, is Polaris’ strongest trail-proven machine to date. Designed for riders who crave wide-open terrain capability at a competitive price point, the XP S delivers the same structural strength, performance, and durability upgrades found on the RZR XP, paired with a wider 72-inch stance. While the vehicles remain stock-based, both RZR XP S entries have been reinforced with competition-approved components to comply with race regulations and withstand the extreme demands of the rock race. From brutal rock crawling sections like Chocolate Thunder to relentless impacts throughout the course, the builds focus on strength, protection, and reliability while staying true to the production platform. One of the XP S entries will be piloted by RZR Factory Racing driver Cayden MacCachren in the Pro Stock NA class, as the brand looks to dethrone the competition and put Polaris on top of the box in the class. The second XP S brings a fun, star-studded twist to the week. Freestyle motocross legend Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg and off-road racer Brad DeBerti will team up in the Sportsman class, sharing driving and co-driving duties throughout the race. Their longtime friendship and competitive banter are sure to make for entertaining moments both in and out of the cockpit. Check out the Polaris RZR Instagram to see some of the banter that is already taking place. RZR XP S Build Highlights & Partners: Method — Bead Grip Wheels BFGoodrich — 32” KR2 Tires SHELEES — Fuel PCI — Race Air Pro, Kenwood Radio, Race Link Intercom RIGID — DLX Driving Lights SRM — Amber Chase Lights TMW — Cage, Bumpers, Window Nets Optima — Orange Top Lithium Battery Sparco — Evo Seats, 5-Point Race Harnesses, Steering Wheel Sparco — Race Suits, Shoes, Gloves Stilo — Helmets Simpson — Neck Braces Factory UTV — Full Coverage Skid Plates SDI — E-Links, Billet Tie Rods Axia Alloys — Mirrors, Fire Extinguisher and Mounts XTC — Switching System, 612 Lighted Side Mirrors TPR — Oil Catch Can System UTV Wolf Pack — Chromoly Radius Rods Walker Evans — Race-Tuned Velocity Shocks Star Stream — Live Stream Equipment and Services The post 2 NEW RZR XP S’s SET TO TAKE ON KOH appeared first on UTV Action Magazine. View the full article

E-Power: Finally Coming to AmericaNissan's e-Power was, and still is, a pretty clever bit of tech. It's one of the first range extenders to reach production when it was introduced in the Note e-Power way back in late 2016. Since then, that piece of kit has spread across several Nissan models, from sedans, crossovers, and even minivans. The e-Power tech has also made its way in several markets, but America has been missing out on it for years. But, finally, nearly a decade after it debuted, it's finally coming to market soon. It's the Rogue that gets it first, although Autoblog was invited to try out the system in a Euro-spec Qashqai, and the first impressions were promising. A Second Potential e-Power Model AppearsIt makes sense to give the Rogue that hybrid system stateside. Its Japanese/global version, the X-Trail, has had it for years already. But if Nissan wants to expand its e-Power portfolio in the U.S, it needs a second model – and a hot seller at that – to keep things interesting. Now, a report from Japan has mentioned that the new-generation Kicks will be the next recipient of the e-Power hybrid system. It did come from Best Car, and the publication does have a tendency to, er, stretch the truth. However, there are alleged spy shots of the car, so at least there is some sort of concrete evidence to support the claim. Cole Attisha It's Not the First-Ever Kicks e-PowerIf true, it's actually not the first time the Nissan Kicks has been powered by an electrified powertrain. In Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, the first-generation model (now called Kicks Play in America) has an earlier version of e-Power under its skin. It's been a proven success so far, and is one of Nissan's top-selling models in its home market. It uses a 1.2-liter engine solely as a generator to provide a charge to the batteries. Energy is then sent to the front wheels via a single-speed reduction transmission (no CVT here, folks), although an all-wheel drive version is also available in Japan. Total output is rated at 134 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, regardless of drivetrain. Nissan New-Gen e-PowerThe new generation of e-Power features a larger 1.4-liter or 1.5-liter turbo engine, depending on application. Again, the sole purpose of the engine is to serve as a generator only. It also gets a larger battery pack, along with more enhancements to boost efficiency and improve driving feel. It's already applied in several Nissan products, such as the aforementioned X-Trail and Serena minivan. Should the latest Nissan Kicks get the new system, it's possible that it'll use the one with a 1.4-liter instead of the boosted 1.5-liter. The 1.4-liter is used in the Serena, and that one makes 161 hp and 232 lb-ft. It's a tad better than the 2.0-liter in the crossover right now, which makes 141 hp and 140 lb-ft. It sounds like a promising product for the U.S market, given that there aren't a lot of options for a hybrid subcompact crossover around. Hold your horses, though, as we have to wait for the Japanese market to get the new Kicks in the first place before we know the odds of it coming to America. Nissan View the full article

Like Kia, Hyundai achieved its best-ever January sales in the United States last month. Hyundai sold 55,624 vehicles, up 2% year-on-year. Surprisingly, that’s almost 10,000 fewer sales than Kia (64,502) managed last month. That marks a reversal of 2025’s full-year sales, where Hyundai eclipsed Kia by 49,531 vehicles. Of course, Hyundai has 11 months to catch up, and it will be particularly pleased with outstanding January 2026 sales of hybrids. Related: Kia’s January Sales Were On Fire as Six Models Hit Records Hybrid Sales Up By 60% Cole Attisha The dramatic increase in hybrid sales stands out most when looking at Hyundai’s January 2026 results. This improvement was boosted by the latest generation of the Palisade, which is now also available with a hybrid powertrain. “Hybrid demand was the star of the month, up more than 60%, showing just how strongly customers are embracing the strength, efficiency and advanced technology of our electrified lineup,” said Randy Parker, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “This momentum gives us a powerful springboard into 2026 as we continue to expand choice and deliver the vehicles customers want most.” While Hyundai does not break down sales statistics by powertrain, its top-selling model was the Tucson on 14,428 units. Here’s a look at the brand’s top 5 performers in January: Tucson: 14,428 (down by 4% YoY)Elantra: 9,091 (+3%)Santa Fe: 9,011 (+9%)Palisade: 8,604 (+29%)Kona: 5,321 (+22%)The Palisade posted the best growth of any Hyundai model, while the Ioniq 6 (344 sales, down by 61% YoY), saw the steepest decline. However, multiple brands are experiencing declining EV sales right now, including Kia. How Did Kia Outsell Hyundai? Kia Demand for Kia sedans significantly outpaced that of Hyundai to start the year. Kia sold a total of 17,918 sedans in January, whereas Hyundai was down at 12,575 sedans. That’s despite the fact that Kia doesn’t have an electric sedan on sale like the Ioniq 6. Furthermore, while both models’ compact crossovers (the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage) remain their best-selling models, the Sportage significantly closed the gap. In January 2025, Hyundai sold 3,668 more Tucsons than Kia sold Sportages. A year later, the Tucson is only ahead by 444 units. Add to that Kia’s 5,879 Carnival sales (Hyundai doesn’t have a minivan), and it’s clear why the family rivalry has shifted in Kia’s favor early in the year. What It Means Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9 Kristen Brown View the 1 images of this gallery on the original article Kia has only outsold Hyundai in a month or quarter here and there in the U.S., but Hyundai tends to lead in annual sales. However, Kia is off to a stellar start in 2026, with much greater growth than Hyundai. It’s also achieved this despite the fact that the all-new Telluride has not yet hit its stride. Once it does, it will be fascinating to see if Kia can retain this lead through the year. Moreover, Kia may be in a position to become the dominant brand for the Hyundai Motor Group in the U.S., assuming its current trajectory continues. While it’s not easy to pinpoint a single reason for this shift, Kia has focused on more practical, value-oriented segments in recent months; the new K4 Hatchback is a key example. It also has a practical minivan, whereas Hyundai puts more of a focus on high-performance N models. As consumers demand more affordable cars, this puts Kia in a potentially stronger position in 2026. View the full article

Although it looks like a pristine restoration job, this BSA Gold Star café racer actually uses a bespoke frame and a brand new motor.You'd be hard-pressed to find a better donor bike for a truly British café racer than a BSA Gold Star. But what if you want your Gold Star to stand out from all the ot... View the full article

If you need an all-in-one ignition system Competition Products has you covered. Check out the Power Products Billet Racing Ignition Kit.View the full article

Kia’s 2027 Telluride is the most significant release for the Korean marque this year. The three-row crossover had a remarkably successful first generation, and the second-gen model is expected to keep that success going. After releasing pricing for the new Telluride last month, Kia has now gone live with the model’s online configurator. Here’s a breakdown of the main options, colors, and packages, along with the single trim we’d recommend for most buyers. Related: 2025 Kia Telluride Vs. 2027 Kia Telluride: Side-by-Side Gallery From Affordable to Premium Kia As a reminder, the 2027 Kia Telluride starts at $39,190 for the entry-level LX. There are 12 derivatives (accounting for both trims and drivetrains), and the lineup is topped by the X-Pro SX Prestige at $56,790. While front-wheel drive is standard, some trims can add all-wheel drive for $2,000 extra; the cheapest way to get an AWD model is by adding it to the S trim, for a total of $44,090. The base LX only gets a basic color palette of greys and blacks, the first indicator that this is the cheapest trim. Inside, black SynTex (imitation leather) and cloth trim is the only choice. The sole package for the LX—and every other trim, bar the top X-Pro SX Prestige—is the Towing Package at $625, which adds an OEM tow hitch. While the LX does have a 12.3-inch touchscreen, tri-zone climate control, and front/rear parking sensors, the lack of options or customization choices limit its appeal. K The first trim that takes a meaningful step up is the $43,790 EX, with its ventilated front seats, full SynTex upholstery, additional interior color scheme, and sound-absorbing windshield/front door glass for a quieter ride. Above this, the Telluride gets extra luxury-oriented equipment, more color choices, and off-roading equipment for the X-Pro models—but no major standalone options. Not all these extras meaningfully improve the Telluride for everyday driving, though. All trims are available with accessories like a cargo cover, all-weather floor mats, and cross bars. Related: 2026 Kia Sorento Vs. 2027 Kia Telluride: 3 Key Differences What Kia Telluride Trim Should You Buy? For most people, the EX feels like a logical balance between comfort and value. At $43,790, it’s still a lot more affordable than luxury three-row SUVs, but it also offers welcome additions over the base trim. Besides the features already mentioned, it has a power front passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 20-inch alloys. If you tick the box for AWD, Kia also throws in a heated steering wheel. This trim does without the rugged trimmings, all-terrain tires, and enhanced ground clearance of the much more expensive X-Pro models—most Tellurides function as practical people-movers on normal roads, though, so these extras are unnecessary. We’d tick the box for the black and Butter Brown SynTex interior ($295), which looks less somber than the all-black standard interior. The same 274-horsepower turbocharged engine is found on every trim, so the EX is every bit as quick and responsive as trims costing well over $50k. Overall, it’s our choice for the most balanced trim in the lineup. The Luxury of Customization The 2027 Kia Telluride is minimally customizable, requiring you to choose from one of several preconfigured trims to find the one you want. By doing this, Kia can keep costs and complexity down by limiting the number of unique models leaving the factory. That’s typical for other non-luxury models in this class like the Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Mazda CX-90. This is an often underrated aspect of luxury-car shopping, where it’s easier to configure exactly the vehicle you want. Take the Lexus TX three-row luxury crossover, for instance. It starts at over $55k, so it’s a lot pricier, but even the base TX 350 has six exterior color choices, two interior color schemes, different wheel designs, and 142 accessories. The amount of options only increases from there as you work your way up the trim ladder. German luxury brands, too, take customization to another level. Whether fully loaded or not, though, the 2027 Telluride is poised to be one of Kia’s major success stories this year. Related: How I Would Configure the 2026 Hyundai Palisade View the full article

NASCAR isn’t typically known as a winter sport but they’ve decided to use their tools in order to help Team USA go faster at the Winter Olympics. The NASCAR research and development team is building virtual models of Olympic athletes and creating life size 3D printed versions of them in order to do wind tunnel and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) testing in order to find tweaks to help the ...Keep readingView the full article

All-In on EVsVolvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson believes the EV price gap is closing faster than many expect. Speaking to reporters in Stockholm, he said that “if you look five years ahead,” an electric car will “most probably be lower in cost than a combustion car,” The Drive reports. It is a bold prediction in a market where EVs still carry higher upfront prices than comparable gas models. Recent industry data shows electric vehicles remain more expensive to buy than ICE vehicles in most segments, even if fuel and maintenance savings narrow the long-term ownership gap. Samuelsson’s argument is that this upfront premium is temporary. According to him, manufacturing efficiencies and battery cost reductions will soon erase it. Betty Laura Zapata/Bloomberg via Getty Images Profitable EVs and a Revised RoadmapUnlike some rivals that continue to post heavy EV-related losses, Samuelsson says Volvo’s electric portfolio is already profitable. Margins are thinner than combustion models, but they are positive. “We are not paying to get them,” he said, emphasizing that Volvo is not selling EVs at a loss to chase market share. Without EVs, he added, Volvo would have lower volume and lower overall profits. This pragmatism reflects a broader strategic shift. Volvo once declared it would become an all-electric brand by 2030, but that target has since been softened in favor of a more flexible transition. Market realities, infrastructure rollout, and regional demand have forced many automakers to recalibrate timelines. Volvo’s approach now centers on economic viability rather than fixed deadlines. Volvo View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Lower Battery Costs, U.S. OpportunityThe 2027 EX60 previews how Volvo plans to hit cost parity. It introduces cell-to-body battery integration, mega castings, and in-house-developed motors. Eliminating redundant battery housings reduces material usage and assembly complexity. The goal is to bring EV margins closer to combustion vehicles like today’s XC60, even if larger models such as the EX90 still trail their ICE counterparts in profitability. Battery chemistry will play a decisive role. Samuelsson points to broader adoption of LFP cells, which use less expensive raw materials than NMC packs. While solid-state batteries are often described as the breakthrough technology, he cautions against waiting. Cost improvements in today’s lithium-ion tech, combined with scale, are enough to shift the equation. Samuelsson has also argued that the United States remains an ideal market for EVs and plug-in hybrids, citing driving patterns and consumer appetite for technology. If battery prices continue to fall and manufacturing becomes more efficient, his five-year forecast may not be ambitious. It may simply be market math catching up. Volvo View the full article

Giovanni Ruggiero, 19, is already a proven winner in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Tricon Garage. Last year, he was victorious at Talladega and ended the year eleventh in the standings. He will again compete full-time in Trucks, but on Wednesday, Joe Gibbs Racing announced that he will also run the first two races of the 2026 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts (NOAPS) season. Ruggiero will ...Keep readingView the full article

Atlanta Dragway could be making a comeback. The Banks County Planning Commission recommended the approval of a new permit. View the full article

Range Isn't The Only KeyThese days, a lot of automakers are quite proud of the longer ranges that their batteries can do. After all, we're at the point where we're starting to see them come close to the engines. It does help quell fears of range anxiety, but there's another factor to consider. That would be battery life. We're not just talking about percentages here. We're talking about how much charge the packs can still hold even after hundreds of thousands of miles. Whether it's a mobile phone or a car, batteries degrade over time and with use, greatly reducing their usability. However, it seems Chinese automakers are leading the pack in that regard. Getty Images A Surprise From XiaomiXiaomi may be better known as a mobile device company, but it's taking its automotive division very seriously. It currently builds the SU7 and YU7, and it's been doing well in its home market so far. Now that thousands own them, it's fair to say a couple have racked up a lot of miles. As reported by Car News China, one such owner has managed 265,757 kilometers (165,133 miles) in their SU7 in a relatively short period. Well, China is a huge country, but it's impressive mileage for a young EV product. It amassed those miles by travelling an average of about 370 miles per day. Despite the high mileage, the battery life still remained at 94.5 percent. Xiaomi How it Fares Against TeslaTo put further context to the Xiaomi's battery life, it's good to compare it against something more ubiquitous like a Tesla Model 3. Compared to its Chinese competitor, it loses more of its usable capacity, as reported by some owners who have reached equivalent miles. One 2023 Model 3 owner with 101,674 miles posted his degradation results over at Reddit, and saw that it had lost 12 percent. Torque News on the other hand reported that another owner with a 2020 model saw a 15 percent loss at around 102,000. Those results, while par for the course, pale in comparison to the Xiaomi SU7. A difference of about 7 percent is a big deal when it comes to holding a charge, and it points to the Xiaomi lasting longer in the long run. Also remember that the Chinese EV had over 60,000 miles more compared to the two reports mentioned. It also reached a higher mileage in a shorter time. Tesla Over 500 Charging CyclesMind you, the car achieved that mileage in just 18 months. The owner admitted that he was expecting the car to lose about 10 percent of its battery life, given the distance his car has covered so far. "I had assumed it would be down to 90% at best. To see 94.5% was truly surprising," said the owner. The high-mileage SU7 is equipped with a 94.7kWh battery pack. Based on an average consumption of 116.4 MPGe, the batteries have seen 506 complete charge-discharge cycles. With that in mind, it's almost certain that partial charging cycles are in the thousands. It's unknown how often the car was fast-charged, but even so, retaining that much battery life after all those cycles is impressive. Xiaomi Going the DistanceThe video of the high-mileage car has since caught the attention of Xiaomi CEO, Lei Jun, so it's nice to see that it's getting some recognition from the company's top brass. Perhaps spurred by this achievement, the owner plans to do mega miles on his SU7. He plans to do 600,000 kilometers within three years with the car, or about 373,000 miles. Given that he drives about 370 miles per day, he could hit that target in 903 days. Should he continue at that rate, he could actually beat the three-year target with a few months to spare. We sure hope that he does achieve that, and perhaps Xiaomi could take a look at the car and build even more robust and longer-lasting EVs. As for the owner, we'll be waiting for the 600,000 km update. Xiaomi View the full article

Last year, Ferrari unveiled the 849 Testarossa, and it instantly divided opinions. Some said it was just a reskinned SF90 with some mild updates under the skin, others berated its styling, and still others complained that its name was unsuitable for a car with fewer than 12 cylinders. But as a new video from Hagerty explains, featuring Henry Catchpole in the driver's seat, this is so much more than just an updated SF90, and both its ethos and styling fit the name to a tee. You can watch the video at the bottom of this article to discover just what has changed to make this a new car in terms of driving dynamics, but in the meantime, we're going to address naming and styling criticisms and why they may be unfounded. 849 Testarossa: Styling That Seizes the Gaze Ferrari View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Some felt that a new Testarossa needed to have slatted side intakes, or high-mounted wing mirrors, or something else to serve as an obvious retro visual callback to the last Prancing Horse to wear the Testarossa name, but Catchpole implies that this new supercar references it in presence and character, saying, "I think this actually has some of the same big-shoulder-pad visual impact and intimidating sense of size as the 1980s Testarossa." Indeed, the 849 Testarossa is a far more attention-grabbing car than the SF90 it replaces, and just as the car that starred in Miami Vice was polarizing yet unmistakable in its looks, so is this. Related: Ferrari Is Working on Shapeshifting Bodywork to Keep Supercars Beautiful The headlights of the new model couldn't be pop-ups because of pedestrian safety laws, but Ferrari has done a decent job in paying homage with their silhouettes and the winglets that sit beneath them. Even the mask-like stripe across the front is not dissimilar from the shapes created by the shutlines of the '80s car. Another nod to the past comes in the form of the rear winglets, which Top Gear's Jethro Bovingdon recognizes in his film as being inspired by those of Ferrari's Le Mans contenders from 1970, the 512 S and 512 M. The latter racer's name was eventually applied to the final iteration of the previous most recent Testarossa in 1994, the F512 M, bringing the association between overt styling and iconic nomenclature closer still. 849 Testarossa: A Generations-Old Name with Varying Applications Ferrari Our discussion of the new car's aesthetics somewhat justifies the name, but the film digs deeper, going back to the first application thereof 70 years ago: the Scaglietti-designed 1956 500 TR. TR, obviously, stands for Testa Rossa, which is Italian for "red head," and the name comes from the red cam covers of the engine. Just as the contemporary 849 is a revised SF90 Stradale, the 500 TR was an update of the car that came before, the 500 Mondial. Furthermore, the 500 TR was not powered by a 12-cylinder engine like the 1980s model would be, but a four-cylinder engine displacing just 1,984 cc. And, in the colors of Écurie Francorchamps, a Belgian racing team, the example Catchpole uses to show the correlation between old and new wears a livery that Maranello nowadays pays tribute to with its Assetto Fiorano package, adding hammer-shaped striping that spans the front end and swoops up the hood. Since that performance-minded package is best suited for those who use their cars on track, the film's correlation with the 500 TRC, a 500 TR modified to comply with Appendix C of the FIA's racing regulations, fits particularly well. As a side note, the '849' in 849 Testarossa refers to its eight cylinders, each of which displaces 499 cc for a total of 3,992 cc, or 4.0 liters. Ferrari Testarossa: A Symbol of Technological Progress Drew Phillips/Autoblog The original Testa Rossa was powered by a small four-cylinder engine making an impressive 180 horsepower, while the famous 250 Testa Rossa from 1957 got a 3.0-liter Colombo V12 making just shy of 300 hp, but both cars sited their engines ahead of the cabin. The Testarossa variants of the 1980s, on the other hand, had their engines behind the occupants. Those later cars used flat-12 engines to lower their centers of gravity, and today's all-wheel-drive (and, in electric mode, front-wheel-drive) 849 Testarossa uses electrification and digitalization to enhance performance and efficiency. Clearly, Maranello does not consider the Testarossa name a blueprint for any specific formula. All that matters is that any car with that denomination showcases innovation that advances performance. And that its engine is topped in scarlet paint, which the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 in the latest car naturally is. Thus, Testarossa may be the most apt name Ferrari has chosen in years, and it certainly sounds far more exciting than three digits scrambled together but otherwise unaccompanied ever could. Whether the supercar's styling is regarded as beautiful or not will always be a subject of debate, but there's no denying that the 849 Testarossa is truly worthy of its iconic moniker, one which signifies prowess in the realm of performance and carries an impossible-to-ignore wow factor along with it. View the full article

The recall applies to certain FX+ 1 and Electra Townie Go! electric bicycles sold in the US and Canada, but the good news is it can be repaired.View the full article

Inside the MadnessBrabus has built a reputation in the automotive world for its extreme car builds and big-ticket creations that most people will never get to experience. But perhaps the closest we can get is through this new docu-series coming to Amazon Prime Video, which should show what it takes to run a luxury brand that works on high-end models from marques like Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. Titled Brabus: One Second Wow, the docu-series – made in collaboration with i&u Studios – will span six episodes and follow Brabus CEO Constantin Buschmann and his partner, Mili Umicevic, who is also the company’s creative director. The series will showcase internal conversations Buschmann had while growing the brand, and the trailer even features an executive admitting to a €100,000 loss (approximately $118,000). Couture on WheelsThere was also a brief glimpse of a brainstorming session centered on designing what appeared to be a three-door Mercedes-Benz SUV, which was bluntly called “ugly,” echoing what some enthusiasts have been saying about certain Brabus creations, such as the recent Lamborghini Urus SE with the mint treatment inside and out. It seems this bold design language will be a mainstay, as Umicevic described Brabus as “the couture designer of the automotive scene.” But of course, design is subjective, and while their styling may not appeal to everyone, the company continues to sell vehicles and grow regardless. Beyond its design work, Brabus has also raised the bar for already high-performance cars. For example, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance – which produces 805 horsepower from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo hybrid V8 – was tuned by Brabus to deliver 986 horsepower. The company has also worked on the Mercedes-AMG G 63 6×6, with its XLP 800 6X6 Adventure build pushing up to 800 horsepower. Brabus Nothing Here Comes CheapThese modifications aren’t cheap. The aforementioned Lamborghini Urus SE build, which also received revised bodywork and a 900-horsepower upgrade, carries an eye-watering $700,000 price tag – well over $400,000 more than the stock version. The new docu-series might also tackle the brand's other projects beyond cars, including a beachside property on a private island, motorcycles, and boats. Amazon Prime Video will simultaneously release the show on February 26 in five countries, including the United States, Canada, Germany, the UK, and Australia. Brabus View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

More Choice for Charger OwnersAfter reintroducing combustion power back to the Dodge Charger lineup, the Michigan-based manufacturer is further boosting the performance car’s appeal with new options for the Sixpack-powered models. This time, however, the additions have nothing to do with horsepower and instead focus purely on cosmetics – namely, a Satin Black hood graphic and Fratzog dual stripes. Owners of the all-electric Charger Daytona may already be familiar with the Fratzog option, as it has been available for some time. Now, buyers who prefer the gas-powered models can also opt for this heritage-inspired treatment, which pays homage to the 1960s, when the Fratzog logo appeared on models such as the Dodge Dart. Stellantis Styling With a PurposeThe Satin Black hood graphic is applied only to a portion of the hood, a design choice that Dodge says helps accentuate the sculpted power dome while creating contrast with the original paint. Meanwhile, the Fratzog dual stripes feature red trim accents and a repeating Fratzog logo pattern, available on models with both glass and steel roofs. These options are offered on Sixpack-powered models, which use the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged Hurricane inline-six engine. The Charger R/T comes with the standard tune rated at 420 horsepower and offers better fuel efficiency, while the Charger Scat Pack steps things up to 550 horsepower. There’s still no V8 in the Charger lineup for now – though the Hemi is staging a return in models like the Ram 1500 TRX – leaving the Ford Mustang as the only V8-powered muscle car currently on the market. Interested customers can opt for the Satin Black hood graphic and Fratzog dual stripes, which carry starting MSRPs of $395 and $1,695, respectively. Stellantis Dodge Leans Into CustomizationDodge CEO Matt McAlear said these new options are just the beginning of the brand’s customization plans, saying, “This is just the start of what owners can expect when it comes to customizing the all-new Sixpack-powered Charger.” Other parts coming soon through Mopar include bodyside graphics, a performance cat-back exhaust kit, and bright pedal covers, among others. For those who haven’t owned a Charger yet, the entry-level R/T starts at $49,995 (excluding destination fees), while the more potent Scat Pack begins at $54,995. Meanwhile, the Charger Daytona EV – which was met with a lukewarm reception upon its introduction in 2024 – starts at $60,690. Stellantis View the full article

Deep inside, you know what's good. If you take the time to nurture it back to life, you too can be out having a great time with your friends.View the full article

The Age of Subscription-Based FeaturesBMW’s push for subscription-based features was pitched as a way to make car ownership more flexible and modern. Owners can unlock features like heated seats, driver aids, or infotainment upgrades after buying the car, paying only for what they want through an online account. But things didn’t go as planned. Heated seats, especially, set off a wave of criticism. Drivers balked at paying monthly for something already built into their cars, and the backlash was swift. BMW eventually dropped the subscription model for hardware features and went back to a simple one-time payment for heated seats. BMW later admitted it had misread the room. In an interview with Australian media, executives said heated seats were “probably not the best way to start” with subscriptions, and that the backlash was bigger than they expected, Drive reports. James Riswick BMW Isn’t Done With SubscriptionsEven after backing off on heated seats, BMW hasn’t given up on subscriptions. The company still sees a case for charging ongoing fees for software-based features, especially those that need cloud services, data crunching, or regular updates. BMW argues these systems cost money to run long after the car is sold. BMW added that subscriptions let buyers skip expensive options at first, then add features like driver aids or convenience tech only when they actually need them. For example, someone stuck in traffic for the first time might decide to activate an assistance system they didn’t buy at delivery, just by tapping a button. That thinking still shapes BMW’s approach with the highly popular iX3, though the company is now more careful about which features it puts behind a paywall. The real lesson from the heated seats episode isn’t to ditch subscriptions, but to pick the right features for them. For the iX3, that would be the 360-degree camera and advanced driving-assist systems. BMW The Wider Industry Isn’t Slowing DownEven with lawmakers getting involved and BMW changing course, other carmakers are sticking with subscriptions. Tesla still charges monthly for Full Self-Driving (even removing the one-time payment option), though prices have dropped significantly from before. Volkswagen also offers power upgrades by subscription on some of its EVs, while Mercedes-Benz charges yearly fees to unlock more performance in its EQ cars. Mazda, too, has stuck to its guns, keeping connected services behind a paywall even after hacking incidents and bad press. For these automakers, subscriptions remain a tempting source of steady income from customers after leaving the showroom – even if the latter isn’t exactly happy about them. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Yamaha's engineering prowess goes well beyond the world of motorcycles. In fact, it almost built the world's first hypercar way back in 1992.View the full article

The Forester Goes LocalIn 2024, Subaru said that the next-generation Forester would be built at its Indiana plant. Now, as automakers face growing pressure from higher import tariffs, that decision ended up timely, with both the gas and hybrid Forester officially in production. The current-gen Forester marks the first time the nameplate has been built locally since it debuted in 1997. It also represents the first hybrid produced at the Indiana plant, which assembles the Ascent and Crosstrek as well. Adding the Forester is unlikely to significantly increase the facility’s workload, particularly after the discontinuation of the Legacy, which ended a 36-year production run in the U.S. Subaru More Than Just an Address ChangeWith production localized, the Subaru Forester stands to benefit from lower trade risks, “Built in America” branding, and a faster response to U.S. demand after decades of being produced in Japan. More importantly, these advantages could help make the model more competitive in the compact crossover segment, particularly against rivals such as the all-new Jeep Cherokee. The 2026 Forester is offered in six trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring, and the off-road-oriented Wilderness. The Wilderness model adds features such as a raised suspension with 9.3 inches of ground clearance and 17-inch wheels wrapped in Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires. Meanwhile, the hybrid version – which uses a 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine and Toyota's hybrid tech – is available in the Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims. Subaru also highlights the latest generation of its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, an SAE Level 2 driver-assistance system comparable in function to Ford’s BlueCruise. Complementing this, the Forester has earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating—the highest safety designation awarded by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Subaru A Measured Approach to Going ElectricSpeaking about the Forester hybrid's localized production, Scott Brand, president and chief operating officer of the Indiana plant, said, “Bringing hybrid vehicle assembly to our facility has been in the works for five years.” He added, “Seeing the start of mass production is highly rewarding and represents the culmination of a tremendous amount of hard work by our associates.” While the Indiana plant has begun transitioning toward electrification, Subaru’s new battery-electric vehicle (BEV) models are still produced in Japan. Following the brand’s first BEV, the Solterra, the automaker will introduce a smaller model called the Uncharted, while the Trailseeker will slot into the midsize segment, putting it against the likes of the Honda Prologue. Subaru View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article